Originally Posted by
tanja
Immigration doesnt really like an USA citizent to bring in a "family" member into USA.
That doesnt matter if they live abroad and just visit USA.
Before I got my resident card I was living in Sweden with my american husband.
I tried to get a visa and was denied. Reason was because I was married to a US citizent.
I was told to either immigrate or take a chance being allowed as a visitor inot the country.
And no we had to take different lanes.
Some times I had problems getting into the country just because my husband was american. Other times they understood. And sometimes they did not know what to do.
One thing is very clear IMMIGRATION doesnt like a US citizent with a foreign "partner" who has not legal resident card.
I've brought in spouses and family on visas from overseas scores of times and never had delays or problems. Frankly they have been the easier trips especially pre Global Entry. Yes I have heard or read of the problems of others and I don't put any form of fecklessly inane actions past CBP.
I have had a spouse and family member get a visa pre-green card with no problems also. OFten that can depend on the consulate/embassy staff but that is for another thread.
At most airports you can use either line if you are family travelling with different statuses. I've only seen them tell someone no once, and that was an airport goon, the CBP guy said it was fine later.
As for just being "partners", it might be easier to have US citizen go with you through the visitor line. I've seen them send engaged friends through seperately, and seen them once take them together. Sadly YMMV.